Alms Giving Ceremony in Luang Prabang — Attraction in Luang Prabang

Today the world is all about photos, videos, social media, and in this world the reality, truth is somewhere lost.

Based on most of the reviews here I am sure what I am about to say will not be understood by many. But my hope is to reach out to those few conscious people who just don’t understand what the hell is going on in this world.

About the ceremony. It was probably an authentic ceremony at some point but today it’s just a tourist attraction.

What I observed; Mostly big group of tourists with tour guides( mostly Chinese) were participating. Barely any locals. vendors were selling rice and cookies Some were using plastic gloves but mostly everyone else were just using their barehands to dig in the rice and offer it to the monks

There were trash cans set up everywhere, Monks were dumping all that was offered in it

-Towards the end, children were collecting those offerings from the monk. Some were grabbing rice from the street.

My understanding is:

1. Nobody eats those offering, it goes to waste
2. Its collected back and resold.

I wonder what Buddha would feel about this ceremony. This was just sad.

And all the comments here referring it to as “an experience” or “Its tradition” making it sound as it’s authentic, these people live so far away from reality. Some people take everything at it’s face value.

But for those who are observant, who can see thru it and see the reality, please don’t participate. You may wanna go observe (and know the reality) but don’t participate. Its the tourism thats ruining this culture. Its because of the tourist there is...

Having read about this in multiple blogs, I decided to wake up early and head to the Main Street where this ceremony takes place. Here are my key takeaways: 1.The significance of this ceremony is well known that if people give alms (basically food) to the monks, it brings them good karma, while also feeding the monks. Once a traditional event, it has now become a tourist attraction and pretty much like a zoo like one of the other reviewers mentioned. People have no consideration to space, to flashing lights and cameras in close proximity.

2.There are at least 200 people giving out alms and the monks carry a rather small basket. Wonder where all the alms go? Into baskets that have been lined up on the street every 20ft or so. The alms are usually sticky rice that are unpackaged, and packets of biscuits or chocolates. The monks seem to dump them all in the same baskets (and they look rather dirty!!)

3.I asked someone if they know what they do with it, and they said they give it as lunch to kids at schools. So basically, people donate to the monks, the monks to the kids from what I heard.

4.I also happened to witness many stray dogs being walking alongside monks and waiting in line with such discipline. If only people had the heart to feed these animals too, knowing it would bring back double the good karma.

TLDR: To sum up, it felt like a spectacle with no real meaning to the ceremony. I’d rather have them feed the hundreds of malnourished stray dogs and cats roaming the...

Really nice to see this sacred morning ritual and something that is very important for the local community which makes it sad that tourists are unable to be respectful. I’m giving a low review in the hope people read it as previous reviews highlight similar issues. Some tourists participating were either filming themselves or getting someone to film them during presenting the food. Tourists standing very close taking pictures with flash on right in monks faces. This appeared to be done mainly by older groups and tour groups. These tours were often lead by locals so I’m not sure if they don’t tell them to be respectful or they have a prior agreement with the monks that they can take their pictures? Also do not buy food from stalls trying to sell you stuff. Lots of food was given back such as what appeared to be confectionery items.

Best thing to do is not do it through a tour, sit down on the opposite side of the street, be quiet, take minimal photographs and without flash on. I would say unless you’re a Buddhist, just observe rather than participate

There will be quieter places to observe- even on the Main Street but also down the side streets if you know where they are. Maybe ask local ngos...